GitHub’s most important product at this point is probably the API. It’s incredibly comprehensive so it’s easy for tools to augment or replace pretty much any part of the experience.
So many teams with private repos only use GitHub for the basics (version control, access management) and then use third party compatible tools for the rest. Linear for issues, Buildkite for CI, Graphite for code review, etc.
The API allowed me to build CodeApprove (codeapprove.com), which is the code review interface I always wanted GitHub to have. And teams that share my preferences can use it a la carte without losing the rock solid foundation of GitHub.
I know it’s not great that we’re all locked into this platform that is owned by a megacorp that hasn’t always been friendly, but it’s at least a great platform.
So many teams with private repos only use GitHub for the basics (version control, access management) and then use third party compatible tools for the rest. Linear for issues, Buildkite for CI, Graphite for code review, etc.
The API allowed me to build CodeApprove (codeapprove.com), which is the code review interface I always wanted GitHub to have. And teams that share my preferences can use it a la carte without losing the rock solid foundation of GitHub.
I know it’s not great that we’re all locked into this platform that is owned by a megacorp that hasn’t always been friendly, but it’s at least a great platform.